Portugal may be Europe’s best-kept secret, but it won’t stay hidden much longer. This remarkable country offers everything from volcanic islands and pristine beaches to historic cities and world-class cuisine.
What makes Portugal especially appealing for North American travelers is how surprisingly accessible it has become. SATA Azores Airlines provides a direct gateway that transforms Portugal from a hard-to-reach getaway into an easy weekend escape.
Getting There Is Easier Than Ever
The journey to Portugal has never been more straightforward for East Coast travelers. SATA Azores Airlines provides year-round, nonstop service from Boston Logan International Airport and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport. The flight is under five hours, with convenient onward connections to Madeira’s dramatic cliffs or mainland Portugal’s golden Algarve coast through the Azores hub.
The real game-changer? SATA’s stopover program automatically appears as an option when booking eligible routes. This unique offering allows travelers connecting between North America and Europe to spend up to seven nights in the Azores at no additional airfare cost. It’s essentially two destinations for the price of one ticket.
Year-Round, Stay-and-Play Weather
Portugal enjoys sunshine most days of the year, making it a welcoming destination no matter the season.
Madeira boasts comfortable year-round weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 64°F to 75° F. This mild climate not only nurtures the island’s renowned wine production but also creates ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails and levadas that wind through forests and valleys, passing cascading waterfalls along the way. Discover the charm of small villages and take in dramatic coastal views, such as those from the Achada do Gramacho cliff. And of course, no trip is complete without visiting the vineyards and sampling Madeira wine straight from the source.
Smart travelers capitalize on shoulder seasons — April through May and September through October — when the weather remains excellent but crowds thin and prices drop.
The Hidden Gems of the Azores, Madeira and the Algarve
Portugal’s three distinct regions each offer compelling reasons to visit. The nine-island Azores archipelago serves as one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations, with more than 20 species passing through its waters year-round. Visitors discover 500 miles of waymarked hiking trails threading through volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Sete Cidades crater lakes.
Madeira presents a subtropical paradise where the vibrant city of Funchal showcases renowned botanical gardens and serves as a basecamp for exploring scenic trails. Now a wellness destination, the island integrates therapeutic thermal waters and mineral-rich volcanic stones into luxurious spa treatments.
The Algarve delivers classic Mediterranean appeal with dramatic limestone cliffs, golden beaches and historic cities that embody southern Portuguese charm. Fresh seafood, easy living and gentle Atlantic rhythms define the experience.
Making the Most of an Azores Stopover
SATA’s network makes experiencing multiple regions surprisingly simple, with the Azores stopover program serving as the perfect introduction before continuing to your primary destination. You can turn a simple layover into a mini vacation.
When booking qualifying routes, choose your stopover island and duration. São Miguel offers the complete Azorean experience with Ponta Delgada as the base. Spend four nights exploring Sete Cidades’ twin lakes, soaking in Furnas’ geothermal valley and whale watching from the marina.
Alternatively, three nights in Terceira allow time to wander UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo’s cobblestone streets. The program includes flexibility to add curated experiences through partner Azores Getaways.
Book a round-trip ticket, experience two completely different destinations and pay no additional airfare. With stays up to seven nights, you have time to truly experience the Azores rather than simply passing through.
You Can Choose to Go Fast or Slow
Portugal accommodates your travel style without compromise. Adventure seekers find paradise with canyoning opportunities on São Miguel, São Jorge and Flores islands, where you’ll rappel down waterfalls and navigate pristine river canyons. The Azores offer dozens of paragliding locations for aerial adventures, while whale watching provides close encounters with blue whales and playful dolphins.
Wellness travelers discover an equally rich landscape of relaxation. Madeira’s thalassotherapy spas harness seawater and marine elements for rejuvenating treatments, while the Azores feature natural thermal pools like Terra Nostra Park — perfect for soaking in iron-rich waters surrounded by botanical gardens.
Portugal’s flexibility makes it ideal for travelers with different interests — start the morning with a canyon descent, then end it with a sunset spa treatment overlooking the Atlantic.
Courtesy of SATA Azores Airlines.
Plan Your Portugal Vacation With AAA
Portugal delivers on every promise: stunning natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, exceptional value and surprising accessibility.
With SATA Azores Airlines’ convenient Boston and New York routes and innovative stopover program, you can experience multiple destinations while enjoying direct transatlantic travel.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in volcanic landscapes, relaxation in thermal spas or simply discovering Europe’s most welcoming hidden gem, Portugal accommodates every desire. The combination of year-round perfect weather, diverse experiences and the unique opportunity to explore the Azores at no additional cost creates an irresistible value proposition.
Start planning your Portugal vacation with a AAA travel advisor online or call 866-423-5585.
Featured image: Beautiful view of Seven Cities Lake (Lagoa das Sete Cidades). Courtesy of SATA Azores Airlines.
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